Britney Spears to Receive GLAAD's Vanguard Award

The LGBTQ media advocacy group GLAAD will honor pop icon Britney Spears with its Vanguard Award during its 29th Annual GLAAD Media Awards in Los Angeles on April 12.

"An irrefutable icon, Britney Spears has entertained the world while also embodying the spirit of GLAAD's Vanguard Award by speaking out on significant issues that face her fans - from the Dream Act to anti-transgender bills in Texas," Sarah Kate Ellis, president and CEO of GLAAD, said, according to Entertainment Weekly. "She is a force in the music world who has used her global platform to share messages of love and acceptance, something that the world needs today more than ever."

The responded to the news on Instagram, sharing a photo and writing the caption:

"Honored to be receiving the Vanguard Award at the @GLAAD Media Awards this year! The LGBTQ community means the absolute world to me and inspires me every day. I am proud to be an ally and I will continue to support equality and acceptance for all!"

In 2015, the "Slumber Party" singer released a video for Spirit Day in which she promoted the anti-bullying campaign and organized a meet-and-greet session for LGBTQ fans. She also joined fellow pop stars like Selena Gomez, Pink, RuPaul, Troye Sivan and more for the track "Hands," written with GLAAD, that remembered the 49 victims of the Pulse gay club shooting in Orlando.

Additionally, last year, Spears penned a love letter to the LGBTQ community for Billboard's Pride series, where she shared her appreciation for the community's support.

"I have a secret to share with you. You see it's actually you that lifts me up. The unwavering loyalty. The lack of judgment. The unapologetic truth. Acceptance! Your stories are what inspire me, bring me joy, and make me and my sons strive to be better people," she wrote.